Jan 12, 2004 - 12:00 am .- As is the custom every New Year, Pope John Paul II welcomed members of the diplomatic corps accredited to the Holy See and evaluated the world situation. This year his main concern again was peace and the menaces that threaten it.

Jan 12, 2004 - 12:00 am .- Archbishop Sean P. O'Malley urged lawyers to protect marriage and the family in the United States and oppose same-sex marriage at the annual Red Mass, Jan. 11, which is dedicated to judges, lawyers and other legal professionals.

Jan 12, 2004 - 12:00 am .- Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) has created a new award that will seek to honor and recognize the people and organizations that work to protect religious freedom in every country of the world.

Jan 12, 2004 - 12:00 am .- In a show of solidarity and support for Christians in the Holy Land, Catholic bishops from Europe and the Americas have organized a pilgrimage to Bethlehem and Jerusalem this week.